WORKSHOPS and TRAININGS

“For the past three years, we have brought Tim Collins in during Orientation to speak with our incoming freshman about Consent, Bystander Intervention, and Sexual Misconduct. Tim is a gifted facilitator with a commanding presence who encourages conversations in large and small group settings. With Tim’s help and feedback, we have developed a program that both allows students to share their own concerns and experiences, empowering incoming students to address situations inside, and beyond, the academic setting. It has been a very positive experience working with Tim and he has been able to craft various presentations for our diverse audiences!”

Utilizing a range of role-playing scenarios and interactive group exercises in a safe, non-threatening environment, Tim provides an engaging workshop for students, staff, and/or educators.

A variety of workshops are available, including:

The Assertive Communication workshop is an interactive experience focusing on methods and techniques for interpersonal communication and connection. Through a series of non-intimidating acting and roleplaying exercises, participants will practice effective ways of assertively communicating with both groups and individuals. Emphasis on finding non-threatening but efficient ways to “be heard,” differentiating between Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive communication styles, and in conflict resolution. Small group exercises and larger group work ensure that everyone will have the opportunity to practice finding their most powerful (and peaceful) voice. Ideal number of participants is 20 (though more can be accommodated), and running time is 90 minutes.

The Empowered Bystander workshop is an engaging combination of “icebreaker” exercises, sociometric and psychodramatic exercises, role-play, and group improvisation activities. Focus on identifying challenges to intervening, identifying problematic situations, and practicing safe and effective ways to act as an Empowered Bystander. Ideal number of participants is 20, running time is 90 to 120 minutes.

The Empathetic Responder workshop is an exciting program that was initially developed for military audiences. Powerful role-playing exercises put participants in the midst of “what if” situations concerning friends or classmates disclosing an incident of sexual assault. Participants will leave this workshop with a range of practical and effective ways to listen, respond, and help survivors identify and locate services. Ideal number of participants is 30-300 and running time is 70 minutes.

The Toxic Masculinity and Rape Culture Workshop.This new workshop invites participants to explore the concept of “Toxic Masculinity,” the socially-constructed attitudes that may encourage men to behave in unemotional, aggressive, or violent ways. Beginning with an overview of relevant information/statistics about Sexual Assault and Intimate Partner Violence, then transitioning to a larger conversation about “Rape Culture” and the societal attitudes that normalize sexual violence and violence against women, this workshop provides an engaging perspective on a range of important issues. Facilitated by award-winning actor and educator Tim Collins, the conversation deepens through small group discussion and brainstorming activities that allow participants to reflect on ways in which their own attitudes and opinions may be influenced/affected by Rape Culture. The workshop builds to a sequence of interactive role-playing exercises that let participants identify and practice different ways to intervene, help others, and challenge the negative assumptions and behaviors at work in our society. Ideal number of participants is 20-60 and running time is 1 hr 30 min.

The Positive Communication and Collaboration Workshop. Join your colleagues/classmates for an exciting and engaging workshop where you’ll learn more about the ways you– and your friends, family, and peers– communicate. Through immersive games and exercises, you’ll have an opportunity to identify and practice the most effective ways to interact and “get your point across” during difficult and challenging conversations. Small and large group exercises will give everyone a chance to join in at their own comfort level in this fun, non-threatening session! This workshop will help hone your assertive communication skills, as well as provide you with activities and approaches to help build trust and strengthen your relationships. Ideal number of participants is 20, running time is 60 to 90 minutes.

“Tim Collins provided a powerful leadership workshop on bystander intervention. This was an action- packed presentation with a focus on increasing student confidence and intervention skills to make a positive impact on a community. Tim’s dynamic style encourages participation and makes it a personal experience for the participants. They entered the workshop as students and exited as empowered bystanders.”

–Staff of the Beard Wellness Center, SUNY Cobleskill, Cobleskill, NY

Workshop Participants Comment:

“Very powerful. Tim paced each activity very well. I know this would be great for all ages and feel this training is vital not only for our youth, but our society’s future. Thank you, Tim. Great job!”

“Tim led exercises that allowed people to open up in a safe, non-threatening way. This by far has been the best, most interactive training I’ve ever had at this job. Would love to have this every year, if possible.”

–Tiffany Riley, Program Assistant, Porter Youth Center, Seaside, CA

“I loved how involved we were throughout the whole training. Best training I have ever attended. You did a great job, Tim! Thank you!”

“All the activities in the workshop were great. Really fun! Great training session! Really hands-on. Most fun I’ve had in a training session.”

–Program Assistant, Porter Youth Center, Seaside, CA

“I loved all of this training. Loved the interactions, games, and stories. Great opportunity to host this training/workshop at Porter Youth Center. We loved every minute of it. Our staff is known for being really close, but this training brought us even closer. Tim, please continue spreading awareness and education wherever you go.”

“Tim made me feel more comfortable with my co-workers (whom I already feel close and comfortable with). Your willingness to take risks and “look silly” made me feel less self-conscious. It would have been great if this workshop was one day longer. Loved this training!”

–Jodi Douglas, Kinderleader, Porter Youth Center, Seaside, CA

“This was a very good training and put together well. I feel we should have this training on a regular basis.”

–Program Assistant, Porter Youth Center, Seaside, CA

“The whole workshop was outstanding. This was the most exciting training I’ve ever had. Tim made it easy for us to be engaged in the training. It was fun and very interactive.”

“Rather than just being “talked to,” Tim had all of us participate. Even those of us who may be more on the quieter side felt comfortable with the roleplaying activities. Great information and a very entertaining training. Thanks! In the future, we’d like to have Tim back. This was one of the best– if not THE best– trainings we’ve experienced here at PYC!”

–Program Assistant, Porter Youth Center, Seaside, CA

“Everything, everything in the workshop was exciting and something I can use and modify to do with my students. I walked away with so much positive information and knowledge on how to approach the topic of Bullying!

One of the best trainings I have had in my 14 years of child care! Tim brought excitement, interactions, role-playing, and so much more. The guy is BRILLIANT! You rock, Tim! Come back!”

–Peggy Huddleston, Middle School and Teen Program Director, Child and Youth School Age Services, Porter Youth Center, Seaside, CA

“My favorite part was how personal the workshop was and how much it made me think about what I would do in a situation. Fantastic workshop!”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“This workshop was a great way at ‘building community.’ Really enjoyed– time went too fast!”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“This workshop lets you realize a lot more about yourself. Very good presentation!”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“This workshop was an engaging and eye-opening experience! I enjoyed how we weren’t just sitting the whole time– it was a very active workshop!”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“Every part of this workshop was great. I really enjoyed it. Tim did a good job bringing up major components in the scenarios.”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“This workshop was well thought out. I enjoyed Tim, his energy was fantastic!”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“I think this workshop would be good to bring back in small groups in the Residence Halls!”

–SUNY Cobleskill student, Cobleskill, NY

“I enjoyed the interpersonal communication of the participants. The role-playing was great, and we were able to brainstorm solutions to different problems.”

–Faculty and Staff of Great Falls College, Great Falls, MT

“The role-playing and empathy exercises were great. Tim is a great facilitator. This was a fantastic workshop! Would recommend this to others.”

–Faculty and Staff of Great Falls College, Great Falls, MT

“Information gained and the manner delivered were top-notch. Very timely info. The information gained applies to the topic of the workshop and also applies to many other personal circumstances.”

–Faculty and Staff of Great Falls College, Great Falls, MT

“Tim encourages conversations that are difficult to have or have in an empathetic way. I like how Tim handled sensitive topics and effectively guided volunteers through some tough role-playing exercises.”